A new thread for the 546 Opel Rekord Taxi.

1960 Dutch brochure with Opel Rekord P2 in black with 4 doors.

Opel Rekord P2 taxi in service.

Shortly after the 554 I acquired the French 546 Opel Rekord Taxi as a companion to my 554 Opel Rekord. It is in a very nice condition with a fresh and strong box.

The French 546 Opel Rekord Taxi was intended for the German market from 1964, but was also available in France according to the 1966 and 1967 French catalogue and that is remarkable. I think the stock had to be used up. It replaced the 554 available from 1960-63 and came together with his successor DT 542 Opel Rekord A with 2 doors. The 546 box is made with German text and this combination of model and box is unique in its kind, is scarce and hard to find in any condition. So I am very happy with this acquisition in such a nice condition.

The car is completely black with a taxi sign with yellow letters on the roof, but without a taximeter that the 24UT and 24XT do have. The black body together with its silver detailing and red interior I find a very beautiful colour combination.

According Jacques’s encyclopaedia was the Dinky Toys 546 Opel Rekord Taxi already included in catalogue West Germany 1964.

Dinky Toys 546 Opel Rekord Taxi in catalogue West Germany 1964. Note also the German export model DT 551 Ford Taunus 17M Polizeiwagen and DT 542 Opel Rekord as successor of the 554. Photo by courtesy of Jacques Dujardin.

546 was also available for the French home market according French catalogue 1966 2nd edition above and 1967 1st and 2nd edition. The model were issued with white smooth or treaded tires as depicted above.

My 546 Opel Rekord Taxi on its box with German text. My model and the picture on the box are equipped with white smooth tyres.

546 front left with nice silver details. Taxi sign on the roof with yellow letters.

546 rear with nice silver details.

Baseplate 546 is the same baseplate as the 554, with sales number 554 in the base.

546 box with German text.

Striking on the box is the text: “Benützung der Marken und Anfertigung der Modelle durch die Adam Opel FA bewilligt.” which is remarkable not mentioned in French on the 554 box.

The sides of the box read in French: "C'est une fabrication MECCANO" and the end flaps of the box read in German: "Hergestellt durch MECCANO".

My DT 546 Opel Rekord Taxi with my 554 Opel Rekord

Note: Meccano Bobigny produced 26 German cars, 10 of which were Opels, so Bobigny had a good relationship with the Opel company. Meccano Liverpool produced 25 German cars of which only 2 Opels.

There were 2 more French DT's with a box with only German text. 551 Ford Taunus 17M "Polizeiwagen" (1965-1967), which was only intended for export to Germany and 1405 Opel Rekord coupé 1900 (1968-1972), which was generally available.

Additions, corrections or whatever are most welcome.

Jan Oldenhuis, 23 June 2022.